NEWS

Brian Marquis, former Therefore I Am guitarist and creator of the Acoustic Basement stage on Warped Tour, has dropped off the rest of the tour following a run in with a storm at the West Palm Beach stop that left him hospitalized.

Marquis was attempting to secure his stage's tent when lightining struck nearby and carried through to him. Marquis stated he was not sure if it was "the tent pole, the water [he] was in or the ground" that conduced the current as seen below on a post in a private Warped Tour Facebook group:

"I appreciate everyone's well wishes but I am having a tough time processing what I went through and to avoid rehashing this awful experience over and over for myself I'll explain what happened so everyone can understand what went down because it's hard to keep telling for me. A storm was coming and the Warped crowd was evacuated to the amphitheater until it passed. Well, the storm came really quick and extremely strong and fast. Within a few minutes we were in ankle deep water and winds kicked up so bad both my stage's tent poles were bent over like 45 degrees and appeared like they were going to fly away and all our gear, crew and artists would be compromised. I grabbed onto one of the tent poles to stop the tent from blowing away, as did some other people and lightning struck somewhere in close proximity and traveled through either the tent pole, the water I was in or the ground - no idea - but it wasn't a direct hit to my body. I felt a strong shock go through my hands burning them and sending me back a few feet. It was so chaotic I just tried to keep securing the tent and I went to unhitch the tent wall and that's when my heart felt like it was going to explode. Then I couldn't feel my hands, then I couldn't feel my arms, then my chest hurt and was tight and I was having trouble breathing. Honestly, I thought I was on my way out. Thankfully I had some of the most amazing friends, crew, medical and security staff right by my side immediately and they helped me hang on until the ambulance came. After a few hours at the hospital my heart got back to normal. All my tests came back normal after a few iv bags of fluids and steroids to protect my organs and some aspirin. The nerves in 2 of my finger tips feel burnt, my left hand is semi numb, my left arm is sore, tingly and tight, my chest is tight and basically my whole body feels like every muscle was flexed for a long time. I am experiencing some intense anxiety that I am not used to and I am trying to rest and get back to normal while I await for my super powers to be revealed. I hope this helps alleviate questions and concerns.

It warms my heart to know so many people care about me and I appreciate all of your words and hugs. Thank you xox

A special thanks to Minh Lucas Chris Holloway Steve Schaeffer Mike Holshue Terry Lee Myers Michael Farr who stayed by my side during this. I am so grateful for this family."

Warped Tour posted the photo below to their Instagram account following the incident to ensure fans that Marquis was recovering as stated in his own words through them:

"Sending best wishes to our man @brianmarquis. Update from Brian: I am alive and relatively okay. I fought a little lightning and won. Thank you for all the love and concern. I am so grateful for you all."

Soon after, Marquis posted another statement regarding the incident to his Tumblr account where he revealed he would be leaving the tour:

"It breaks my heart to leave this tour, my family, but in the best interest of my health I am heading home tomorrow to take care of myself and get some proper rest. Thanks to everyone who has shown their support and love to me, it is truly heartwarming. No goodbyes tonight or tomorrow, just see you

It breaks my heart to leave this tour, my family, but in the best interest of my health I am heading home tomorrow to take care of myself and get some proper rest. Thanks to everyone who has shown their support and love to me, it is truly heartwarming. No goodbyes just see you down the dusty trail. One love. -Brian"